Spring depth chart loaded with intrigue

AUSTIN — With spring football practice set to begin Friday, Mack Brown did his part to appease the news-hungry masses by releasing a pre-spring depth chart Thursday morning.

Just don’t hold him to it.

“It doesn’t matter,” Brown said of the three-deep chart, “because it changes tomorrow.”

But even if the lineup breakdown is only in place for 24 hours, it contains plenty of potentially interesting story lines. Among them:

Defensive end: Sergio Kindle, a senior who’s played most of his career at linebacker, is listed as the starting buck defensive end. Texas coaches said he’s already proven himself as a pass rusher, and they see him as a natural replacement for Brian Orakpo. Sam Acho is listed as the starter at power defensive end.

Tailback: Sophomore Cody Johnson and junior Vondrell McGee are listed as co-starters, with sophomore Fozzy Whittaker tabbed by offensive coordinator Greg Davis as the likely third-down back. Each of those three, plus Jeremy Hills and Tre Newton, will be trying to make an impression before freshman Chris Whaley arrives for summer drills.

Wide receiver: With Jordan Shipley out for spring practice, Brandon Collins, Malcolm Williams and James Kirkendoll are listed as starters. But Dan Buckner, DeSean Hales, Montre Webber and Brock Fitzhenry will have a great chance to get repetitions and earn more playing time.

Cornerback: The biggest news is that sophomore Aaron Williams — cited by defensive coordinator Will Muschamp as the team’s best “ball hawk” — is listed as a co-starter at left corner with senior Deon Beasley. There are also co-starters at right cornerback, with juniors Chykie Brown and Curtis Brown sharing that designation.

In a statement released by the school, trainer Kenny Boyd said of Humphrey: “Our doctors identified a concern with Jarvis’ kidney during his pre-participation physical exam that has worsened and is currently being treated.”

Brown also announced that senior safety Ishie Oduegwu, who has undergone four surgeries and also suffered a broken bone, will give up football. Oduegwu is on schedule to graduate this year.